Sloww Sunday 037: Stages of Ego, Be Like Water, Cultural Sensemaking

Sloww Sunday Newsletter 037 (Nov 15, 2020) — Stages of Ego, Being Like Water, Cultural Sensemaking, & More

Hi friends,

Sloww is your guide to awaken the art of living.

Each week, I synthesize a little more timeless wisdom and share it in Sloww Sunday.

Here’s your gateway to the good life.

1. Sloww Stuff

🆕 An Introduction to “Ego Development Theory” by Susanne Cook-Greuter (EDT Summary)

Despite popular belief, chasing (and even achieving) the American Dream will only get you halfway to your full human potential. An overwhelming 75-80% of the population is currently stuck at the halfway mark of ego development due to the education system and workforce. This impacts everything. If you want to better understand yourself and how others see the world, dive into this summary.

PS: Did you know you can always see what I’m working on by visiting my “Now” page? I’m all-in right now on an “Ikigai 2.0” eBook. It will be free for all premium members before it ever gets to Amazon Kindle, Gumroad, and other platforms. This eBook will show you exactly how I found and created life purpose—and how you can do the same.

2. Discussion I’m Enjoying

🎧 The Stages of Ego Development Theory
(2 hrs | Integral Life on YouTube)

This is an excellent introduction to Susanne Cook-Greuter’s work. If you’re interested in human development and human potential, this is a must-watch video. It describes the stages of adult meaning-making and shows how adults mature throughout their lifespans. Pair with my summary mentioned above.

“You have to develop a mature ego before you can transcend and let it go.” — Susanne Cook-Greuter

3. Video I’m Watching

📺 Be Like Water
(12 mins | Einzelgänger on YouTube)

The ancient philosopher Lao Tzu celebrates flexibility in his timeless work Tao Te Ching. The ability and willingness to yield can actually be a great strength. This video explores the benefits of being a bit less rigid and a bit more like water—resilience, the power of softness, and seeing the silver lining.

“Whoever is stiff and inflexible is a disciple of death. Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life.” — Lao Tzu (Tao Te Ching Summary)

4. Website I’m Exploring

🌎 The Consilience Project
(Civilization Research Institute)

The Consilience Project is a new initiative from Daniel Schmachtenberger. It’s a non-profit media organization that aims to catalyze a cultural movement toward higher quality sensemaking and dialogue—the essential foundations of a functional democratic society.

It appears they are still looking for help for the project. If you’re interested, you can check out an executive summary, slide deck, and how you can help.

“We are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom. The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely.” — E. O. Wilson

5. Quote I’m Contemplating

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
— Unknown (often attributed to Aristotle)

Sharing: If you enjoyed this issue of Sloww Sunday, please share socially or send it to a few friends to spread the word!

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Feedback: It’s always much appreciated. Please send me an email or reach out socially.

Have an awake week!

Kyle Kowalski
Founder, Sloww